Council blasts "senseless vandals" after popular Tiger sculpture damaged

Liam Soutar

St Helens officials have hit out at "senseless" vandals after a much-loved wooden sculpture was left damaged.

The Tiger sculpture in Victoria Park, was vandalised last week, with particular damage to the tiger's tooth, ear and tail. Debris was also found in the bandstand.

Damage to the Tiger's ear

Created in 2014 by a Merseyside-based sculptor Thompson Dagnall, the carved wooden tiger that lies close besides the bandstand was introduced as part of the park’s refurbishment, and is made out of wood salvaged from an unsafe, 70+ year old oak tree.

Appealing to members of the public who may have witnessed the offence, Colette McIntyre, St Helens Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Manager, said: “The carved tiger is a treasured feature of our green flag award winning park, so I’m utterly appalled that someone would have the audacity to destroy something that means so much to the local community.

“St Helens Council and its community partners will not stand for this type of criminal damage, therefore I would urge anyone who may have been in Victoria Park that evening and heard a commotion by the bandstand to get in touch with the police or the council and provide as much information as they can so that those responsible can be held accountable.”

If you have any information, contact Merseyside Police via their social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or call 101, quoting the reference number 18200176419.